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prolong her uncertainties. Without waiting for her approval he summoned the servants again. Watching as they quickly worked to bring in fresh water for his bride. He remained silent until they were alone once more.
    Her heart raced in her chest as she stared absently at the steaming tub of water. In the past, there had always been a ladies maid to help her undo her stays, and she was unsure how to undress herself without their help. The warm water would give her the confidence she needed to explain her position to her husband, and she needed that more than she cared to admit at the moment. This was uncharted territory for her, and she felt completely helpless.
    He was an educated man and understood immediately that she needed assistance, the thought pleased him greatly. "Permit me to serve you," he entreated quietly.
    Lifting startled eyes to his, honor demanded that she refuse his offer, but her rational mind argued that there were no options. She stood shakily, feeling more insecure than she could ever recall feeling before and made the decision. With a flush of color on her cheeks she lowered her eyes to the floor and nodded.
    With little haste he moved behind her and began unbuttoning the rows of small buttons. He felt her body tense and again smiled at her nervousness, before this night ended she would long for his touch he thought in anticipation. As his fingers brushed against the soft silken skin, he fought back a groan. Focusing on the next layer, he made the decision that the boned corset would never again touch her flesh. He had never understood the tradition of such a contraption, and knew it must be uncomfortable. Unlacing it quickly, he watched her release a breath and shook his head.
    "I can finish," she whispered nervously, feeling a strange tingle where his fingers had brushed her flesh and completely unprepared for the sensation.
    Stepping back, he nodded more to himself than her since she refused to meet his eyes. "I shall give you a few moments alone." He had considered watching her bathe, but her nervousness reminded him that it was an enjoyment he would consume after they were more acquainted. This night he would allow her some decorum of modesty.
    Her deep sigh of relief made him smile deeper, and he walked outside of the cabin, shutting the door behind him. Soon she would long for his touch; it was a moment he would look forward to as he gave her the privacy she needed tonight.
    Michaela quickly removed the rest of her clothing and stepped inside the steaming water. Her nerves were strung so tightly that it took several moments for her muscles to relax. Fearful of dallying to long, she wet her long hair and quickly lathered it with the fragrant soaps that hung on a tray attached to the tub. She had no idea how long he would be gone and decided that enjoying her bath was not an option tonight. Rinsing her hair thoroughly, she moved on to scrub her body with haste. The last thing she wanted was to be still bathing as he made his way back into the room. Her hands begin to tremble as she understood that they would be forced to share the large bed in this cabin tonight, even if she was only prepared to sleep.
    Rinsing off, she stood on shaking legs and reached for the long bath towel and dried her body briskly. 'Stop being a coward,' she chided herself out loud. She had not entered into this marriage of her own violation, she enforced her own resolve, and her duty was complete as far as she was concerned. Glancing around the room her eyes frantically searched for her chests and felt herself begin to panic as they were nowhere in sight. He could return at any moment, and the last thing she wanted was to confront him dressed only in a towel.
    There was no way she could put on her discarded dress without help and she felt panic set in even more deeply. With no other choice in her mind she went over to his chests and pulled out a long white robe. Anger consumed her earlier fear as she slid the huge garment over